FAMINE IN EUROPE

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24053, 15 September 1943, Page 2

FAMINE IN EUROPE

HELP URGED BY SOCIETY

OF FRIENDS . “There is famine in Europe and Asia. Crops have been ravaged by war or have failed from neglect. Blockade has prevented the flow of foodstuffs to countries which, even in peace time, could not supply their own needs. These countries are lacking in' resources of their own to meet this disaster.” This statement has been issued by the Society of Friends. “We, the Society of Friends in New Zealand, are deeply concerned at the resulting famine conditions and the fact that so little is being done to relieve them. We are thankful that the British Government has to a limited extent recognised the need and is now sending wheat to Greece, but nothing is being done to avert the-death or bodily and mental ruin of millions of children in other parts of occupied Europe,” the statement continues.

“Starvation attacks whole populations indiscriminately, and most of ail it wrecks the bodies and lives of children. Officials of the International Red Cross and of the American Friends Service Council have stated that the Germans have not touched the food supplies sent in and distributed by them to children and mothers in various parts of occupied Europe, and that the machinery exists’ for a continuation of this'relief. All that is needed is for the British Government to grant the navicerts for the shipping of supplies, particularly of dried milk and vitamin foods for young children and nursing and expectant mothers. “We realise that difficulties are involved, and that the shipping and use of New Zealand’s surplus food supplies are questions of more than local concern. But New Zealand is an abundantly well fed country, and' could without hardship, spare a considerable quantity of food for famine relief. We urge, even though this may involve an extension of rationing in this country, that a portion of our present food supplies be directed to immediate famine relief, and that increased food production be planned now with a view to supplying the post-war needs. “Nothing can be achieved by just feeling sorry. What is wanted is action by our Government; first, to urge the British Government to grant the navicerts required for the entry of food into Europe; and second, to arrange for immediate and continued contributions of food to those famine areas to which access is most practicable.”